Personal body protection is mission-critical for professionals and civilians alike. In this category you will find both bulletproof vests (soft armor) and ballistic plates (hard armor) so you can match protection to the specific threat level and use case. In short: soft armor is optimized for handgun threats and shrapnel, while hard armor addresses rifle rounds at much higher velocities.
bulletproof vests — soft armor
Soft armor vests use multiple layers of high-strength woven fibers such as Kevlar®, Twaron®, or Dyneema® (UHMWPE). These fibers form a dense net that catches the projectile, spreading its energy across a wider area and preventing penetration. Soft armor is designed for low- to medium-energy threats and everyday wear, including covert models that disappear under clothing.
- protection focus: handguns and fragmentation
- lightweight, flexible construction for long shifts
- covert and overt carrier options
- typical nij ratings: iia, ii, iiia
ballistic plates — hard armor
Hard armor plates are rigid inserts that stop high-velocity rifle fire. They are worn inside plate carriers or dedicated outer vests. Rather than “catching” the bullet, hard armor breaks and deforms it, then dissipates residual energy through backing layers.
- ceramic plates: alumina or silicon carbide for high protection at lower weight
- uhmwpe plates: ultra-light polymer solutions with impressive multi-hit resilience
- steel plates: durable and budget-friendly, heavier than modern alternatives
common nij ratings: level iii and level iv, including options marked stand-alone (no soft armor needed) or icw (in conjunction with soft armor).
soft vs hard armor — quick comparison
- threats: soft = handguns/shrapnel; hard = rifles/armor-piercing
- structure: soft = flexible fiber laminates; hard = rigid plates
- weight & comfort: soft = lighter, all-day wear; hard = heavier but rifle protection
- use mode: soft vest (standalone) vs plates in a plate carrier
who uses them
- law enforcement on patrol (soft armor) and tactical units (hard armor)
- military personnel operating in conflict zones
- private security and high-risk contractors
- civilians for range training, preparedness, or duty-specific needs
selection tips
- match nij rating to your realistic threat model
- for plates: check cut (sapi, shooter, swimmer), curve (single/multi), and size
- verify carrier compatibility and overall system weight
- consider stand-alone vs icw configurations
- balance mobility, coverage, and heat management
buying advantages
- free shipping on orders over €80
- fast dispatch & nationwide delivery
- specialized, hard-use equipment from leading brands
- secure and flexible payments (card, paypal, klarna)
faq
what’s the difference between soft and hard armor?
soft armor stops handgun threats and fragmentation; hard armor is designed for rifle rounds at much higher velocities.
what do nij levels mean?
nij iia/ii/iiia cover common handgun calibers. nij iii/iv address rifle threats; level iv is tested against armor-piercing rounds.
what is stand-alone vs icw?
stand-alone plates meet their rating by themselves; icw plates require a specified soft armor backing to reach the stated rating.
